CASTLE Private A achieved their number one aim for the season on Friday, scoring the chalks they required to end Wharton Cons’ run of five successive titles.

The Northwich outfit, needing 231 to finish ahead of the champions, scored 241 at home to recently-crowned De-Knoop Cup winners Wharton Cons B to claim top spot for the first time since 2007.

Captain Dave O’Brien led the way, securing a 21-7 win, as his side finished 11 chalks clear of rivals that had set them a victory target after totalling 235 against Owley Wood A last Monday.

On a night to remember, Castle Private B racked up 219 at Owley Wood B in Section One to secure a return to the top flight for next season.

Shavington, forced to postpone their scheduled date with Beech Tree A, are favourites to join them.

Crosstown A drop down from the Premier Division after a single season, while Crewe PO need to overturn a huge 189-chalk deficit to Hop Pole – their remaining opponents – to move out of the relegation zone.

Rudheath B, beaten heavily at home by Frodsham Red Lion B, are relegated from Section One along with already-doomed Hartford A. Meanwhile Meadowbank A finish in third position after closing the campaign with a fine away win at Comberbach B.

Kelsall A and Sandbach Park, victors on their own greens against Spinner & Bergamot A and Moulton RBL A respectively, occupy the two promotion places in Section Two.

Frodsham Red Lion D are relegated after losing at the week’s top-scorers – Wharton Cons C – who dropped only two shots.

Cuddington A could afford the luxury of a rare tie with Bunbury in Section Three, yet still finish first. Beech Tree B, who signed off with a derby success against Barnton CC B, are runners-up by a narrow 18-chalks margin.

Wharton Rec won more games – all but four – than anybody else in Section Four, but finish second to Tarporley RBL A following the latter’s away win at Beech Tree C.

In Section Five, Davenham C lost their last match at Spinner & Bergamot B by eight shots.

However their total was still enough to beat Moulton RBL B, conquerors of Winnington B, to first place.